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What is GRS? GRS (Global Recycle Standard) is an international certification standard developed by the Textile Exchange . It aims to promote the use of recycled materials while ensuring traceability, environmental friendliness, and responsible production processes. The standard covers the entire supply chain, from the source of recycled materials to the final product, and enforces strict guidelines for environmental and social responsibility. In simple terms: GRS advocates the use of recycled materials. Does using GRS-certified materials mean you can label your product with the GRS certification mark? Not exactly. Just like FSC certification, simply using GRS-certified materials doesn’t automatically grant you the right to use the GRS certification mark. The entire production process must comply with GRS standards, and the manufacturer must pay to apply for GRS certification. Simply put, it’s like paying a “protection fee.” Unless the order volume is large enough to justify asking a printing factory to obtain certification, most printing factories won’t pursue GRS certification on their own. Does lacking GRS certification mean it’s not environmentally friendly? Not necessarily. There are many types of environmental certifications, each with its own focus. For example: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)  certification emphasizes materials sourced from responsibly managed forests, aiming for sustainable forestry. While this is a significant environmental certification, it doesn’t cover plastic materials. It’s also unfair to label plastic as inherently non-environmentally friendly. Plastic’s durability was originally intended to reduce the need for forest harvesting. GRS doesn’t limit itself to paper-based products, acknowledging the role recycled plastics can play in sustainability. Even if a printing factory doesn’t have GRS certification, it can still use GRS-certified materials for production. Once the demand for eco-friendly products grows and the volume justifies it, the factory can then apply for GRS certification for the entire production line. Are there GRS-certified laser anti-counterfeit labels? Unfortunately, no. The materials used for laser anti-counterfeit labels are quite specialized and not produced in large enough quantities compared to standard label materials. As a result, no GRS-certified laser labels have been developed yet. However, using 100% recycled PET stickers  with GRS certification and applying printed or hot-stamped laser effects can be an excellent alternative!

Many labels are made of plastic rather than paper, but it is rare for cartons to be made of plastic. Therefore, achieving waterproof functionality is challenging, especially while meeting environmental or plastic reduction requirements. We recommend printing a waterproof coating on the surface of the cartons, which avoids the problem of adding plastic materials through protective films. By applying a layer of water-repellent agent to the outside of the carton, it can withstand rain without becoming soggy and breaking apart! Compared to laminated cartons, this approach is more environmentally friendly! For food delivery, frozen shipping, waterproofing against rain... this type of carton is definitely the best choice! Waterproof Principle of Frozen Cartons The biggest culprit causing cartons to become soggy with frozen goods is the moisture in the air, which condenses into water droplets when it comes into contact with the cold carton. However, the moisture inside the carton is relatively low. As long as it is properly sealed and a waterproof coating is printed on the outside of the carton, it can stay dry! Precautions for Frozen Carton Packaging The moisture inside the carton is actually very minimal, and the carton can absorb it. However, if the products have accumulated a thick layer of frost before being packed, the melted frost will still wet the carton. Therefore, it's best to clean off most of the frost before packing, or pack the items first and then freeze them, to avoid any issues! VOID Security Sealing Tape Frozen cartons have a water-repellent coating, making them smoother, but they still work well with "VOID Security Sealing Tape." The usage is similar to regular packing tape, but when the tape is peeled off, it leaves a "VOID OPEN" mark on the carton. This ensures that the product has not been tampered with before reaching the customer, preventing content loss or disputes between buyers and sellers, and conveying care and integrity from a distance! Waterproof Labels for Freezing If products need to be stored frozen, they will require low-temperature and waterproof labels. For detailed information, please see this article: High (Low) Temperature Resistant Labels | Freezer Labels | Waterproof Labels

High (Low) Temperature Resistant Labels The main condition for temperature-resistant labels is the type of adhesive used. Regular adhesives lose their stickiness at extreme temperatures, so special adhesive materials are required for particularly high or low temperature environments. High-temperature resistant labels: The first level of high-temperature resistance is above 100°C, typically used for microwave food packaging or the surface of steam boilers. Temperatures above 200°C usually reach the ignition point of materials, so the duration of temperature resistance needs to be confirmed. There is a difference between a few minutes of resistance and long-term resistance. PI labels: PI polyimide (POLYMIDE) can withstand both high and extremely low temperatures (-269~400°C), and is usually used in electronic products, circuit boards, or aerospace materials. However, due to its specialized technology and materials, the price is also high. Vulcanization labels: Tires undergo a vulcanization process during manufacturing to make the rubber more stable and durable. Vulcanization labels can withstand high-temperature vulcanization (200°C) processes and cannot be separated from the rubber after vulcanization. Low-temperature resistant labels: In low-temperature environments, apart from temperature, serious moisture issues may also arise. Therefore, in addition to the adhesive needing to withstand low temperatures, the face material should also be waterproof. General refrigeration temperatures are about 0-7°C, freezing temperatures are about -15~-20°C, and professional freezing equipment can go below -40°C. Precautions for Using Freezer Labels Freezer labels can retain their stickiness and not fall off in low-temperature environments. Labels need to be applied before freezing: After freezing, frost easily forms, and if the frost or moisture on the surface is not cleaned, the labels will not stick firmly. The surface to be labeled must be flat: When used for sealing purposes, bottle caps are often uneven or the label may be suspended, which can cause the label to lift. Non-toxic Labels (For Food Packaging) High (low) temperature resistance sometimes comes with food-grade requirements. However, food-grade labels are extremely rare on the market, so labels that comply with EU RoHS non-toxic certification are usually used instead. Waterproof Labels Splash-proof: Only prevents small amounts of water from splashing on the label or frost caused by freezing. In this case, "art paper" can be used as it has better water absorption than regular paper. Additionally, regular coated paper with lamination or varnish can also have some waterproof properties. Soak-proof: For labels that need to be fully submerged in water, plastic material labels are required. For example, "synthetic paper," "pearl paper," "PET labels ," "PVC," etc. "Tyvek paper" is also a plastic material but has a paper-like texture with fibers on the surface, often used for higher-priced products or wine labels. Freezer Waterproof Cartons Many labels are made of plastic material rather than "paper," but cartons are rarely made of plastic material, making it difficult to achieve waterproof functionality, especially when meeting environmental protection or plastic reduction requirements. We recommend printing a waterproof coating on the surface layer of the carton, which avoids the problem of adding plastic material with a protective film. For more details, see: Waterproof Cartons for Frozen (Low-Temperature Delivery) | Eco-Friendly Uncoated Cartons Outdoor Sunlight Resistant and Anti-Fading Labels If the label will be used outdoors, in addition to being waterproof and temperature resistant, issues such as ink fading and material aging should also be considered. For more details, see this article: Weather-Resistant (Lightfast) Fade-Resistant Stickers | Halogen Lamp UV-Resistant Paper Box | Solutions for Outdoor Sticker Fading

Will printed materials fade when placed outdoors? This has always been a difficult question in the printing industry, because inks will inevitably fade over time. It's similar to how some people tan easily while others don't tan at all regardless of how much sun they get. Such ambiguous issues are hard to answer clearly. In addition to sunlight causing fading, display lights (halogen lamps) in stores can also cause ink to fade. The primary factor causing ink to fade is ultraviolet (UV) light, which refers to the invisible light spectrum with wavelengths close to violet light. Based on the wavelength, UV light can be roughly divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is mainly used for sterilization, while UVA and UVB, which range from about 280-400nm, are responsible for material aging and ink fading. Therefore, environmental tests generally evaluate the ink's fading condition under UVA or UVB exposure. In the past, the solution for lightfastness in the printing industry was "screen printing" because it allows for thicker ink layers, making fading less noticeable or extending the duration before fading occurs. Nowadays, other printing methods also offer lightfast, fade-resistant solutions, with the main factors being "ink," "lamination," and "material." Can lamination protect ink and prevent printed materials from fading? Are there lightfast, fade-resistant printing inks? Weather-Resistant (Lightfast) Stickers Can lamination protect ink and prevent printed materials from fading? A simple solution is to add an anti-UV (ultraviolet) protective layer on the printed materials, similar to how people apply sunscreen. Don't doubt it; anti-UV coatings don't have to be opaque or silver-colored; they can also be transparent! Whether it is glossy or matte film, the most common material is OPP. However, OPP can only block about 10% of ultraviolet light, so it does not have lightfast or fade-resistant properties. Another common transparent film is PVC. This material has better print adhesion and is often made into transparent stickers. But PVC only has a 20% UV blocking rate, so it also does not have lightfast or fade-resistant properties. Transparent holographic film is a thicker PET material with a transparent reflective coating on the surface, achieving up to 50% UV blocking rate! It's the best among common transparent films. In addition to preventing UV penetration and fading, it also has anti-counterfeiting functions, often used for parking permits, ID cards, and boat certificates. There are also protective films and coating materials specifically designed for UV resistance, blocking about 99% of UV light, depending on the needs. Summary of the UV protection effectiveness of printing protective layers: Anti-UV film > Transparent holographic film > PVC > OPP film Are there lightfast, fade-resistant printing inks? Inks can be divided into heat-set inks and UV inks based on their curing methods. Heat-set inks cure by drying or natural drying, while UV inks require UV light exposure to cure. Generally, UV inks have better sun resistance than heat-set inks, but for exposure exceeding six months, many UV inks will still noticeably fade. Among common printing inks, toner-based inks are more resistant to UV light. According to ISO 12040, most toner-based inks can reach Level 5 or higher, meaning full sun exposure (8hr/day) for about 2 years or more. In comparison, general heat-set offset inks can only reach a minimum of Level 3, equivalent to about 3 months. It's worth noting that the lightfastness of inks varies by color, with black (K) and blue (C) typically being more lightfast than yellow (Y) and red (M). Offset printing also offers specialized lightfast inks. According to ISO 12040, lightfastness is rated on an 8-level scale, with levels 4-6 being medium, roughly equivalent to toner-based inks, and levels 7-8 being higher-end lightfast inks. The characteristics and prices of different lightfast inks vary accordingly. Summary of the UV fading resistance of inks: Lightfast inks > Toner-based inks > UV inks > Heat-set inks Weather-Resistant (Lightfast) Stickers Paper boxes usually do not have the problem of being exposed to the sun for too long outdoors, but stickers might. PET and PVC are more resistant to UV exposure. PVC is more effective than PET, but PVC has environmental concerns. PVC is polyvinyl chloride, and because it contains "chlorine," it can produce dioxins when burned, increasing the risk of cancer. Many countries have banned the import of PVC printed products. Synthetic paper, pearl paper, and other PP materials are prone to aging and cracking. Mold paper and coated paper have long paper fibers and are not easily cracking, but they are susceptible to moisture, making them unsuitable for long-term outdoor use. Summary of the UV resistance of printing materials: PVC > PET > PP High (Low) Temperature Resistant Stickers | Frozen Stickers | Waterproof Stickers Stickers used outdoors often need to be temperature resistant and waterproof, which we have detailed in another article. Please see: High (Low) Temperature Resistant Labels | Freezer Labels | Waterproof Labels You might wonder, since there are specialized solutions for sun protection, why not directly use specialized materials and inks for printing? The reason is that printing purposes and equipment are very diverse and complex, and different situations may require different inks or printing materials. We can only adopt the most suitable solution at the time. For example, although there are specialized lightfast inks for offset printing, their color performance differs from regular inks and may not meet the client's expectations in terms of color management, not to mention the cost! Furthermore, "variable data printing" like serial numbers requires digital printing processes, which use completely different inks!

Most products use paper boxes for packaging. If the  paper boxes have anti-counterfeit and tamper-evident features, it can reduce the risk of illegal tampering with the contents or "diversion." Applying holographic labels on  paper boxes is the most economical and effective anti-counterfeit method. Additionally, printing anti-counterfeit information or hidden marks on the  paper boxes can increase the difficulty of counterfeiting. Besides printing, the design of the  paper boxes closure and box structure are also important anti-counterfeit measures. Tamper-evident labels can be applied, or special closure structures can be used to achieve the "anti-tamper" purpose. Holographic Anti-Counterfeit Hot Stamping | Tamper-Evident and Anti-Counterfeit  Paper Boxes Using hot stamping to replace sticking anti-counterfeit labels, the anti-counterfeit film adheres tightly to the  paper box, preventing the label from being peeled off. Tamper-Evident  paper boxes Design HOLO SOLUTION holds a patent related to the structure of  paper boxes locks, which leave visible traces when opened. This design prevents diversion or tampering with the contents. Additionally, it can alleviate concerns about tampering during transportation or shelving. "Diversion" does not necessarily refer to counterfeit products but involves selling products at prices, quantities, or through channels not agreed upon in the contract, disrupting the product's market positioning and distribution. Tampering with contents, removing or erasing serial numbers, and other identification information makes it difficult for the brand owner to track the product. Using tamper-evident sealing labels or a tamper-evident lock design ensures that the  paper box shows signs of damage when opened, thereby increasing the difficulty of product diversion. The design of tamper-evident  paper boxes does not cause inconvenience for consumers when opening; the lock can be easily pulled apart. In the packaging process, adhesive is not needed for the  paper boxes, making the production line equipment simpler and reducing economic production volume. Printing Serial Numbers, Barcodes, QR Codes on  paper boxes | Tamper-Evident and Anti-Counterfeit  paper boxes Printing serial numbers, barcodes, QR Codes, and other information on  paper boxes can facilitate distribution management and product traceability. QR Codes combined with a product verification platform not only streamline the management system but also enable consumers to perform anti-counterfeit verification easily. Reverse UV Varnishing | Guilloche pattern | Tamper-Evident and Anti-Counterfeit  Paper Boxes "Reverse UV Varnishing" is a process of partially printing transparent patterns. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it allows for the design of complex textures and even the embedding of Micro-Text or security marks within the transparent patterns, thereby increasing the difficulty of tracing and counterfeiting. Anti-Counterfeiting Pattern Design | Tamper-Evident Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging In addition to using special processes or printing equipment, pattern design can also achieve anti-counterfeiting purposes. For example, the Moiré effect, created through overlapping patterns, reveals hidden codes within the design only when viewed with a special decoding lens. Invisible Ink Printing | Tamper-Evident Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging Invisible ink, which appears similar to partial UV varnishing under visible light, reveals specific colors and patterns when exposed to UV light. It can also be used to create effects that are nearly invisible under visible light, increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting, or as a creative element in design.

Whenever we discuss printing materials with the printer, all sorts of "Poly's" come up. Do you have a lot of questions? What are they talking about when they speak of Tetoron, Polystyrene, PolyGold, PolySilver...? What are the differences in the characteristics of these materials? HOLO SOLUTION has compiled charts to help you quickly understand the various commonly used "Poly's" and "P's" in printing. By gaining an understanding of their printing characteristics, you can reduce the chances of using incorrect materials and increase the efficiency of communication with the printing factory. The various types of Poly's used in printing materials Tetoron ｜Name｜ PET (polyethylene terephthalate) Polyester, Mylor, Peto ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: -20-120℃; Melting point: 260 degrees High density (1.38) and stiffness Good weather resistance ｜Judgement｜ Lightly shaken, brittle sound Does not stretch or tear easily Flame is yellow with fragrance Flames are white when blown out Mostly made of tamper evident material Polyvinyl Chloride ｜Name｜ PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: 60 degrees Hard density 1.4, soft 1.2 Good weather resistance A common material for shrink film. ｜Judgement｜ Hard PVC is easily confused with PET. Soft PVC is more ductile. Smells badly The flame is green with a sour smell. The flame is black when blown out. Transparent PET ｜Name｜ Transparent Sticker There are also transparent laminates made of PP or PVC! ｜Characteristics｜ The same as Tetoron Stiffer than PP (not suitable for bending) More transparent and brighter than PP More scratch resistant than PP Easier to print and adhere than PP ｜Judgement｜ Compared to Tetoron The various types of “P’s” used in printing materials PP ｜Name｜ Polypropylene, bright (fog) P OPP is unidirectional oriented stretch PP POPP is bi-directional stretch film ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: about 70 degrees Often used as a laminate for ink and moisture protection Printing does not adhere easily Easily scratched than Tetoron ｜Judgement｜ Softer and easier to tear than Polyester. Smells like candles after burning PE ｜Name｜ Polyethylene ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: about 60-70 degrees Soft material Mostly used for plastic bags and lamination inside laminated bags. ｜Judgement｜ Can be easily torn and stretched by hand. Tearing the parallel side fine and smooth No odor or candle smell when burned PE powder is an important component of fragile stickers. Synthetic PP ｜Name｜ Synthetic polypropylene Sometimes abbreviated as synthetic paper But there are many kinds of synthetic paper ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: about -20-80 degrees More water and moisture resistant than paper Easier to print and attach than Tetoron Can be used instead of PVC ｜Judgement｜ Muffled sound when shaken lightly Can be torn off by hand with irregular jagged shape. Pearlescent paper ｜Name｜ PEPA®, Polypropylene + Acrylic film ｜Characteristics｜ Temperature resistance range: about 80 degrees Water-proof and moisture-proof Better opacity than synthetic PP Multi-layer coating on the surface Print adhesion must be observed ｜Judgement｜ Muffled sound when shaken lightly Easy to peel off with a single stroke The surface coating can be removed with a fingernail or a strong object. PC ｜Name｜ Polycarbonate ｜Characteristics｜ Not resistant to chemical corrosion Easily scratched, soft and impact resistant Surface is often embossed or matte Can be stamped, but yellowing will occur if engraved Less than 100um, often compared to PET Larger than 100um, often compared with PMMA ｜Judgement｜ Flammable with aroma (phenol) PMMA ｜Name｜ Polymethyl methacrylate Acrylic Plexiglass ｜Characteristics｜ Good hardness Scratch and abrasion resistant, not impact resistant and easily cracked Can be laser cut and engraved High optical transparency ｜Judgement｜ More resistant to scratches than PC Usually thicker (>0.64mm)

Table of Contents Reversible Thermochromic Ink Irreversible Thermochromic Ink Liquid Crystal Ink Temperature-sensitive ink is a type of ink that changes color with temperature fluctuations. It is commonly used in areas requiring high-temperature warnings, such as on boilers or equipment, to alert personnel to avoid contact or to visually indicate that the equipment is overheating and needs maintenance. Besides its warning function, temperature-sensitive ink is often used in creative products, such as color-changing mugs when hot water is added, or urinal deodorant balls that change color to help men aim better. Reversible Thermochromic Ink Reversible thermochromic ink usually has color at low temperatures and becomes transparent or colorless at high temperatures. High-temperature transparent thermochromic ink is often used in "concealment" situations. A pattern is first printed on the substrate, followed by the thermochromic ink. When heated to a high temperature, the thermochromic ink turns transparent, revealing the hidden pattern below. In such scenarios, it is recommended to print with black or dark-colored thermochromic ink for better concealment. Color change in response to body temperature is a popular theme among designers. It is recommended to use these products in air-conditioned environments to prevent them from changing color prematurely due to high ambient temperatures before they are touched. Here's an example of a restaurant menu design. The menu printed with thermochromic ink is placed on a stove to heat up, revealing the menu content and enhancing the dining experience for customers. Reversible thermochromic ink used in business card design examples. Reversible thermochromic ink used in PVC card printing examples. Irreversible Thermochromic Ink Irreversible thermochromic ink usually appears white or light-colored at low temperatures and changes to a darker color at high temperatures. When the temperature returns to a low state, the color does not revert, hence it is called "irreversible." It is typically used for high-temperature warning purposes. For instance, during the logistics process, it can record temperature exposure. Liquid Crystal Ink | Thermochromic Ink Both liquid crystal ink and regular thermochromic ink change color due to temperature variations. The main difference between the two is that regular thermochromic ink has only two color changes (usually from colored to transparent or white), while liquid crystal ink can display 6-12 different colors depending on the temperature. Liquid crystal ink can be classified into two types based on color changes: 12-Color Liquid Crystal Ink: Color changes from low to high temperature are black → red → green → blue → dark blue → purple → green → blue → dark blue → purple → dark purple. 6-Color Liquid Crystal Ink: Color changes from low to high temperature are black → red → green → blue → black. Liquid crystal ink offers more precise color changes compared to regular thermochromic ink, making it suitable for "body temperature measurement strips." These can be roughly categorized based on accuracy into two types: For decorative or fun purposes: Temperature difference range is about ±2.5°C. Thermometer Use: Temperature difference range is about ±1 to 0.5°C. The rich color variations of liquid crystal ink are also used in jewelry, toys, gifts, arts and crafts, and wine label designs.

After applying scratch-off ink printing on the material surface, it can be scraped off with a coin or other hard materials. Usually, lottery information, anti-counterfeit QR codes, barcodes, serial numbers, and other information are covered under the scratch-off ink. Using a coin to scrape it off reveals the hidden information. Design Variations of Scratch-off Ink Common scratch-off ink prints are in the form of solid color blocks. However, in addition to changing the printed shape, it is also possible to print fine lines or more complex patterns. Because the lines are dense enough, they can still achieve the purpose of covering the underlying print while allowing for more design variations in scratch-off ink. Overprinting on Scratch-off Ink Text or colorful patterns can be printed on top of the scratch-off ink. Colored Scratch-off Ink Printing The scratch-off ink commonly seen on the market is usually silver or black, which helps to obscure the underlying printed information. However, colors with a silver base such as metallic blue, metallic red, etc., are also possible! Scratch-off ink can also achieve an optical variable ink (OVI) or optical changeable effect pigments (OCEP) effect. This kind of optical change effect is often used in high-end anti-counterfeit prints such as banknotes. Viewing from different angles will show different color changes, making it very easy to identify. This also requires higher standards in printing technology and materials.

In the previous article (What is a DM (Data Matrix) code? ), after we have an initial understanding of the GS1 encoding principles, how do we generate the square, black DM code? DM codes can also be filled with simple text information, web addresses, or even personal business card data, and many software programs that generate DM codes (DataMatrix). Not every software is capable of generating GS1 DataMatrix, or requires some configurations. This article introduces you to two free online generators of DM codes (DataMatrix). ASPOSE URL：https://products.aspose.app/barcode/generate/datamatrix#result Input GS1 code: This DM code online generator requires the input of a human-eye identifiable (HRI) GS1 code. In simple terms, this means that the application identifier (AI) must be scratched up with (). Please refer to the diagram for an example. The author recommends this software because he thinks it is more user-friendly and easier to use for beginners. If you really don't know what HRI and AI are, please review the previous article! (What is a DM (Data Matrix) code? ) Select GS1 Data Matrix Set the image size and file format Click on Generate Barcode to generate the preview image and the Download button. TEC-IT URL：https://barcode.tec-it.com/en/DataMatrix Select 2D Code > Data Matrix Enter the GS1 code: This DM code generator does not need to enter () to mark the AI code, but needs to check the "Evaluate escape sequences" box below and enter \F at the beginning of the GS1 code to let the DM code generator know that it is a GS1 code and automatically put in the marker code. It is important to note that if a code has a variable number such as a serial number or batch number, it must be separated by an \F. This can be seen in the diagram. One of the recommended features of this software is that it can generate multiple sets of DM codes at one time. Just enter each GS1 code in a row, check the box "Generate one barcode per row", click Download, and multiple files will be saved automatically. The author has not tested the maximum number of files that can be created at one time, but it should be sufficient for users with small numbers of requirements. The platform also offers the ability to create HIBC codes by selecting the desired format from the Healthcare Codes menu. BarTender URL：https://www.seagullscientific.com/tw/barcode-generator/ BarTender can generate DM codes in large quantities and synchronize them with a barcode machine or output device for printing onto printed materials. However, to use this function you will need to pay for it. In addition to the software, you will also need to purchase printing equipment and printing materials. There are many printers in the market who can provide this service. You can ask for help from this provider or purchase the software and hardware yourself. BarTender is also kind enough to offer a small amount of free software to create DM codes online. However, I seemed to have some problems with it, and I am not sure if it is a problem with the operation. Therefore, I do not recommend this free service for the time being. If you have a small amount of demand, you can use the previous online platforms.

DM (Data Matrix) code: According to Wikipedia, a DM code is "a two-dimensional barcode (also known as a matrix) consisting of black and white color blocks (cells) in a square or rectangular shape". It looks and is used much like the QR Code which we are familiar with. In simple terms, a DM code is a code that converts a human-readable text into a machine-readable code to facilitate the transmission and reading of data. The image below shows the DM code on the left and the QR Code on the right. Both scans show the same URL - https://www.holoteam.com. Compared to QR Code, DM (Data Matrix) code is more baffling. One reason for this is that DM codes are mostly used by manufacturers or inspection units of goods, and are less likely to be used by the general public. At the end of the spectrum, the users of DM codes are likely to be mainly shopkeepers operating POS machines. Another reason for this is that international standards have been developed in response to the needs of these manufacturers. As you can imagine when you look at international standards, there are a lot of unintelligible codes and specifications, and that's where the main confusion lies! It's the international standards that you don't understand, not the DM (Data Matrix) code! The English system really likes to use a lot of abbreviations. Although convenient, they are often confusing and difficult to understand. Therefore, except for the key terms that need to be explained, we have tried to omit the abbreviations in this article to make it easier for beginners to understand. For those who wish to go deeper, look up the individual abbreviations! In addition, the term "barcode" is actually a generic term for 1D and 2D codes. In the early days, 1-dimensional codes were used in the mainstream, meaning some pieces of black lines, called barcode. In between the 1D and 2D codes, there was a kind of "Stacked Linear Code", which consisted of multiple 1D codes stacked on top of each other. Later, two-dimensional codes, such as QR code and DM code, were developed. The name "barcode" may not seem appropriate to imagine these 2D codes, but no new name has been invented for them in the English and Chinese systems. Since no new name has been invented in the Chinese and English systems, they are all still referred to as "barcode". What are GS1 and HIBC? Both GS1 and HIBC are international standards for commodity coding. We can think of GS1 and HIBC as specifications for the writing of basic product information. For example, the relevant information must include the Global Trade Item Identification Number (GTIN), batch number, manufacturing date, best taste period, expiry date, serial number, etc. When these basic data are written in an internationally standardized way, they can be automatically identified, accessed, and even managed automatically or intelligently by machines. The difference between GS1 and HIBC is that they have different coding principles, so which international standard to use depends on your needs! As HIBC is mostly used in medical-related systems and GS1 is relatively common for various products, this article thus will first explain the coding principles related to GS1, so that you can have a more practical understanding of its usage. How should I write my GS1 code? This article will briefly explain the principles of GS1 coding. For internal use, you can of course write your own code according to these principles. However, if the code is to be used for certain standard labeling, it should be written in accordance with the code specifications. For example, the UDI is a standard for the labeling of medical devices. UDI UDI is a labeling standard for medical devices in accordance with the GS1 or HIBCC system. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requires all medical devices to contain a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) by 2020. A UDI is a barcode containing a specific set of messages that the FDA requires all medical devices to have. This requirement requires all medical devices to be labeled. The barcode on the label must be graded according to GS1 or HIBCC regulations and include the batch number, serial number, and expiry date of the product (where applicable). This requirement is generally accepted worldwide and is promoted in each country. In the case of GS1, after coding, the UDI needs to use one of two carriers, GS1-128 (1-dimensional barcode) or GS1-Data Matrix (2-dimensional barcode), in order to convert it into a barcode that can be easily marked and read. The coding method required by the FDA must be in accordance with GS1 or HIBCC regulations. In addition to the 1D and 2D barcodes required by these two organizations, the Ministry of Health and Welfare also allows a third carrier: RFID. The key information contained in the GS1 system by UDI includes: Global Transaction Item Identifier Manufacturing date Effective Date Lot Number Serial No. GTIN The Global Trade Item Identification Number (GTIN) is an internationally recognized commodity passport number, which can be thought of as a commodity ID number. ECC ECC is the version number of the DM (Data Matrix) code. Glossary of Terms The DM (Data Matrix) code can be encoded with various characters, similar to the QR Code. The DM (Data Matrix) code is specifically designated by the GS1 system as one of the standard presentation methods. Both GS1 and HIBC are international standard systems for commodity coding. UDI is a GS1 or HIBCC-compliant system, specifically for the marking of medical devices. The Global Trade Item Identification Number (GTIN) is an internationally recognized commodity passport number, which can be thought of as a commodity ID number. ECC is only the version number of the DM (Data Matrix) code and is emphasized by the special upgrade of the error correction function in the ECC200 version. UDI+GS1+DataMatrix example (01)03453120000011(17)191125(10)ABCD1234 The GS1 compliant UDI code is used as an example to illustrate the following. The number in the brackets () is called the Application Identifier (AI) in the GS1 system. This code defines the format and the number of bits of data. Examples of common Application Identifiers (AI) are as follows: 01: Global Transaction Item Number (GTIN), 16 digits including 01 (n2+n14) 10: Lot number, up to 22 digits including 10 (n2+X..20) 11: Manufacturing date (YYMMDD), 8 digits including 11 (n2+n6) 15: Best Tasting Period (YYMMDD), 8 digits including 15 (n2+n6) 17: Expiry date (YYMMDD), 8 digits including 17 (n2+n6) 21: Serial number, up to 22 codes including 21 (n2+X..20) The UDI codes listed above can therefore be interpreted as: Global Transaction Item Number (GTIN): 03453120000011 Expiry date: 2019/11/25 Lot number: ABCD1234 If you look deeper into the coding logic of Data Matrix, the () is not in the coding symbol, and the [d2 is added at the beginning of the word, which means it is a GS1 code. Some scanners will scan the first FNC1, which also means it is a GS1 code! Unless you are a system engineer, you do not need to know the internal codes of these machines, so this article will not delve into them for now.

I don't know if you've noticed, but the security labels on Disney merchandise have been revamped. I have searched the official Disney website but I have not seen any publicly available anti-counterfeit identification methods, so based on my years of experience in anti-counterfeit printing, I have compiled a few easy-to-identify features for you. Whether you are a group buyer or a retailer, remember to take a look and check them out to protect your rights. Step 1: Identify the holographic counterfeit label | IP Licensing Label Due to the technical threshold of holographic labels, after several decades, nowadays "holographic label = genuine authorization" is basically still valid. This version of the hologram label has the Disney logo embossed in the middle, a cluster of gobos with complex lines in the background, and a hologram lens effect behind the cluster of gobo. The following indicates that this product is authorized by the following brands: Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars/National Geographic/20th Century Fox. Remember what a licensed label looks like, don't just accept it when you see a shiny sticker! Step 2: The "D" floats in a circular area in the top left corner. There is a circular area in the top left corner of the label. Rotate the label to see the "D" floating in the circular area, which is also a holographic technique, but requires high-end equipment to do so. Step 3: The gold-powder flowing effect in the Mickey logo on the upper right corner. Rotate the label at different angles to see the 'up and down' effect of the gold powder on the Mickey logo, and you can touch and feel the slight embossing of the Mickey, which is a result from its secondary printing process. A special magnetic ink is used in this printing process, which is not only complicated but also extremely costly for its ink, and its anti-counterfeit effect is extraordinarily good! Concealed Fine Print with the Laser Writer In the course of my research, I accidentally found a microscopic Disney mark in the upper right corner of the Graphic/character. This is presumed to be a very fine engraving made by using Laser Writer technology. It is obvious that Disney has put a lot of effort on this security label. Forgery alert: variable serial code = ID number Each label will have a set of variable serial code on it. This is the only variable code, just like an ID number. Each product will be different. Therefore if you think there exists any suspicion of counterfeiting, you can pass such code to Disney officials and ask them to authenticate. Usually, they will be pleased to help that out, as the customer comes first. The above 3 steps and 1 tip are very easy to identify and check, whether you are buying or selling products. It is important to look and check to avoid harming your rights. However, not all Disney licensed products are holographically labeled! For instance, some low-priced products such as tissue paper may only have a colorful label printed on them, but people care less about such very cheap products anyway. On the other hand, recently there happened to be some news reports of counterfeit products being labeled as genuine, but that turned out to be the fact that the products were not counterfeit products which the labels corresponded to, and for that we could only say that the law is strong, but the outlaws are ten times stronger. (However, still, they got caught. ~ Laughs ~) So, you should always pay more attention to all kinds of weird prices or abnormal sales locations. This article is based on personal research and does not represent Disney's official position. Please refer to the official publication or visit Disney's website at https://disney.com.tw/ for all specifications.

With digital printing, there is no need to create printing plates, allowing for efficient and high-quality mass production. HOLO SOLUTION is equipped with advanced digital printing equipment, capable of printing not only standard labels, stickers, postcards, and business cards but also holographic stickers, art paper, L folders, coffee bags, and paper boxes. Digital Printing for Coffee Bag Packaging Capable of printing on laminated bags (food packaging bags). For example, coffee bean bags (zipper bags) can be sealed with a heat sealer after filling with coffee beans. Digital Printing for L Folders Digital Printing for Rice Bags Rice bags can be printed on both sides, vacuum-sealed after filling, and then heat-sealed. Avoid full-bleed printing or designs too close to the edges. Color Labels and Stickers | Digital Printing for Packaging Stickers Small labels can be batch-printed in multiple designs, or large packaging stickers can be printed. Various materials are available for stickers, such as standard coated paper stickers, uncoated paper stickers, waterproof synthetic stickers, and security holographic stickers. Digital Printing for Postcards, Business Cards, and Art Paper Some traditional processes are not suitable for printing on art paper due to the uneven ink distribution caused by the paper's textured surface. HOLO SOLUTION’s digital printing is compatible with various types of art paper, producing prints with rich colors and a textured, tactile feel. Digital Printing for Packaging Boxes and Color Boxes Digital Printing Post-Processing | Cutting | Laminating (Glossy) | Creasing (Folding, Perforation) By combining digital printing with lamination and screen printing, followed by digital cutting, various shapes of stickers, paper cards, or color boxes can be produced.